What Are the Costs for a Visa Application?
Government Fees & Professional Charges
1. Government Fees
Revenue stamp fees paid to the government
2. Professional Fees
Immigration Specialist service charges
3. Additional Expenses
Translation, postage, etc.
1Government Fees (Revenue Stamps)
| Type of Procedure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | 0 JPY |
| Change / Extension of Status | 6,000 JPY |
| Permanent Residency Application | 8,000 JPY |
[Note] Reports indicate a significant fee increase (5-10x!) is being considered for 2026.
2Immigration Specialist Fees (Estimates)
| Application Type | Market Range |
|---|---|
| COE Application | 100,000-200,000 JPY |
| Change of Status | 80,000-180,000 JPY |
| Extension (Simple) | 30,000-60,000 JPY |
| Extension (Complex) | 80,000-150,000 JPY |
| Permanent Residency | 120,000-250,000 JPY |
*Fees vary depending on case difficulty.
Smart Tip for Choosing a Specialist
Don't judge by price alone. Ask: "Are translations included?" "Are expenses separate?" "What happens if the application is denied?"
Always confirm the full scope of service and total cost.
"I want to hire a professional, but I'm anxious because I don't know the standard fees..."
Hello, I'm Shizuka Wakabayashi, a certified Immigration Specialist.
When considering a residence status application, costs generally fall into three categories:
- Government fees (revenue stamps)
- Professional fees (Immigration Specialist)
- Other expenses such as translation and postage
1. Government Fees (Revenue Stamps)
These fees are required when your application is approved.
| Type of Procedure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | 0 JPY |
| Change / Extension of Status | 6,000 JPY (Online: 5,500 JPY) |
| Permanent Residency Application | 8,000 JPY |
[Important News]
Reports indicate that a substantial increase in these fees (approximately 5-10 times the current amount) is being considered for implementation during 2026.
2. Professional Fees (Immigration Specialist)
| Type of Procedure | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | 100,000-200,000 JPY |
| Change of Status | 80,000-180,000 JPY |
| Extension (Simple) | 30,000-60,000 JPY |
| Extension (Complex) | 80,000-150,000 JPY |
| Permanent Residency | 120,000-250,000 JPY |
Why Is There Such a Wide Range?
Because the professional's workload varies significantly depending on the case difficulty, type of application, and scope of support provided.
3. Other Expenses & Important Notes
- Translation feesSeveral thousand - 10,000 JPY/document
- Certificate issuance feesSeveral hundred JPY/document
- PostageLetterpack costs, etc.
[Note] Overseas Visa Application Fees Are Separate!
When inviting someone from overseas, additional fees apply for the "visa (entry visa)" issuance at the local Japanese embassy.
Summary
When choosing a specialist, don't focus solely on the lowest fee. Before signing a contract, always confirm "what services are included" and "what additional expenses may apply."